Six years jail time for rapist

A29-year-old tour driver was sentenced to six years 10 months and 20 days imprisonment for raping a woman who was three months pregnant. The accused was charged with one count of rape and sexual assault. The incident took place on January 16, 2013 at around 7:30am when the complainant’s husband was at work.

The court learned that the complainant was lying in bed when the accused entered her room and sat beside her.

He then told her that he wanted to kiss her and then he placed his hands on her back. The complainant asked the accused to leave the room but he did not.

When the complainant tried to get up the accused pushed her down on the mattress and performed a sexual act on the complainant.

The complainant said she felt pain because she was expecting. She then slapped the accused and he left the room after telling her not to tell anyone about the incident. Justice Aruna Aluthge said the complainant and her husband placed much trust on the accused as a friend.

However, the accused chose to satisfy his lustful demands without having any regard for the pregnant complainant.

In mitigation the accused submitted that he was married and was the sole breadwinner in the family.

He said he was a first offender and looked after his nephews and nieces. He also sought the court's mercy and forgiveness and indicated that he had cooperated with the Police during investigations.

Justice Aluthge ordered the accused to serve five years of his sentence before he could be eligible for parole.

He was given 30 days to appeal.